Mind, Body, Feet: How Foot Health Can Improve Your Well-Being

When it is time to make positive changes to your overall health and well-being, it is natural to automatically think of important steps like eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, getting more sleep, and minding your mental wellness. We do not blame you for thinking this way—these are widely considered among the more popular health habits for a healthier, happier you. That said, it is essential not to forget about your foot health. Most of us do not think about our feet until pain or discomfort arises. Even then, one-third of the nearly 77% of Americans who report experiencing foot pain at various times in their lifetime delay seeking expert care.

Prioritizing your feet is not just about avoiding calluses, ingrown toenails, or warts. Foot health plays a more vital role in your overall well-being than you may realize, from physical strength, dexterity, and the ability to do the things you enjoy to emotional stability, posture, and avoiding severe medical conditions. With April being National Foot Health Awareness Month, our team of podiatrists at StrideCare cannot stress enough how paying attention to foot health and staying active can benefit your mind, body, and overall quality of life.

Is your foot health not where it should be? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatry specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the care you need.

Why Foot Health Matters More Than You Think

National Foot Health Awareness Month and National Walking Day are observed each year in April to raise awareness of foot ailments many of us silently face on a daily basis. This is important because our feet are the foundation for the rest of our body. We can make all the plans in the world to exercise more, prioritize better sleep quality, and lead a more active lifestyle overall, but if the 26 bones, 33 joints, and over a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments in our feet, toes, and ankles are not working as they should or are inhibited by an unchecked foot condition, doing any of those things will be challenging.

National statistics back these claims up. One study stated that there has been an increase in the prevalence of foot pathologies, ranging between 61% and 79%. Furthermore, the study stated that people with foot health issues have a worse quality of life overall than those who do not have foot pain.

Imagine going grocery shopping and walking through the entire supercenter with constant heel pain or a fractured foot. What if you were invited to go dancing but had to say no because of unexplained nerve pain in your toes and feet? There is a litany of foot conditions that can affect anyone—from high-performance athletes to weekend warriors, kids, and grown-ups of all ages.

“One study stated that there has been an increase in the prevalence of foot pathologies, ranging between 61% and 79%. Furthermore, the study stated that people with foot health issues have a worse quality of life overall than those who do not have foot pain.”

Simply put, foot health is a foundation for overall wellness and maintaining it can prevent many physical and emotional problems. Here are a few to consider.

7 Benefits of Proper Foot Health

1. Physical strength and mobility

The average person walks 100,000 miles in a lifetime. That is quite a lot of wear and tear that can lead to joint pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and more. All these injuries and conditions can limit mobility and cause significant discomfort. Strong, healthy feet protected by proper footwear and ample daily stretching will allow you to run, jump, dance, kick, climb, and even maneuver heavy objects. Essentially, you can move how you want and when you want. They also provide a solid foundation for balance and posture.

2. Boosts circulation and reduces inflammation

Keeping feet in great condition allows you to move around more, which means improved blood flow. Proper blood flow throughout the body reduces the risk of swelling and numbness in the lower extremities. Gentle stretches and staying active boost circulation efforts, ensuring oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles efficiently.

“The average person walks 100,000 miles in a lifetime. That is quite a lot of wear and tear that can lead to joint pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and more. All these injuries and conditions can limit mobility and cause significant discomfort.”

3. Limited back, knee, and hip pain

Foot and ankle pain in one or both feet significantly increases the odds of developing knee symptoms. The same can be said for back and hip pain. Why? When something is off in your feet, whether due to flat feet, a painful bunion or heel spur, or an injury, it impacts your posture, how you walk, and even weight distribution. You and your podiatrist can address these concerns with custom orthotics, improved footwear, and posture.

4. Improved mental well-being

When your feet hurt, it is about all you can think about on most days. As a result, you may be limited in your ability to move around and do the things you enjoy. This can lead to all sorts of mental health issues, including but not limited to stress, frustration, and anger. Depending on how painful the condition is, you could also lose sleep, which creates even more issues. Talk to your podiatrist about conservative foot health remedies such as arch supports, foot soaks, and massages.

Foot care is essential for people of all ages. If you want to discuss your surgical and non-surgical options, schedule an appointment with StrideCare’s expert podiatric physicians.

5. Better athletic performance

Strong, flexible feet improve stability, endurance, and movement efficiency, elevating a serious athlete’s performance to another level without causing injuries from high-impact sports such as basketball, running, football, and soccer.

6. Avoid serious medical conditions

If left unchecked, foot health issues that appear to be minor now can lead to infections, neuropathy, and other severe health issues down the road. In fact, certain foot issues like chronic wounds that will not heal are a sign of diabetes. Therefore, it is important to constantly inspect your feet, keep them clean, and seek help if you notice cuts and other issues that refuse to heal on their own.

7. Improved sleep

When your feet hurt, such as when diabetic foot ulcers are present, it can be difficult to get comfortable at night and fall asleep. Ironically, good sleep quality is essential to more effective wound healing, diabetes control, and overall quality of life.

StrideCare Wants Your Feet, Body, and Mind to Stay in Good Health

Everyone experiences foot problems at some point in their lives. For those who experience more debilitating conditions that last weeks, months, and even years, it is imperative that you seek help from a podiatrist before your foot health negatively impacts your mind, body, and spirit.

StrideCare offers minimally invasive treatment options depending on your unique needs. A consultation, followed by diagnostic tests, can help your podiatrist understand how severe your condition is and suggest a treatment plan that fits your needs. Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives.

As the largest multi-specialty network in Texas, StrideCare helps patients achieve improved quality of life from common and complex foot problems. The good news is that finding someone to help near your area is easier than ever, with over 50 StrideCare clinic locations across the state. We are a Texas-based practice, with each clinic locally managed.

Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, and more.

*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.